Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 77: To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources if his attention has been drawn to a previous parliamentary question (details supplied); his views on whether the European Union, International Energy Agency and most experts see storage, particularly pumped storage, as being crucial to renewable electricity policy; if he or the agencies for which he has responsibility will carry out the cost and benefit analysis of additional pumped storage with a view to maximising the amount of renewable electricity generation that can be achieved here quickly and minimise the amount of fossil fuel used and associated emissions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35189/08]

Eamon Ryan (Dublin South, Green Party)
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The provision of back up capacity to underpin increasing volumes of undispatchable renewable energy technologies connected to the grid is provided from a number of sources including pumped storage technologies and interconnection as well as flexible power generation plants.

Energy storage, as appropriate and feasible, has been developed in Ireland and in that context it has made a useful contribution to balancing electricity supply and consumer demand. The ESB's pumped water power station at Turlough Hill is the prime example. New technology developments may well enhance the viability of additional storage options in the future. Developments are being kept under review by EirGrid and the Commission for Energy Regulation.

Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 78: To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food the quantity of bio-fuel crops produced in 2007; the amount of the bio-fuel crop produced but not refined; the amount of this crop which still has refining potential; and the guidelines for producers of bio-fuel crops for 2009/2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35085/08]

Brendan Smith (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources (DCENR) has overall responsibility for energy policy and is the lead Department for the promotion and development of renewable energy, including biofuels. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food supports the supply side of the bio-fuel market by offering grants to farmers to grow energy crops as feedstock for domestic bio-fuel production. The introduction of these incentives contributed to the planting of some 9,000 hectares of energy crops in 2007.

The incentives introduced by my Department include a National Energy Crop Premium to supplement the EU premium available under the EU Energy Crops Scheme. A new Bioenergy Scheme was also launched providing establishment grants of €1,450 per hectare to farmers interested in planting willow and miscanthus. Areas planted with energy crops can also qualify for the Single Payment. The Department is also funding research projects that relate directly to biofuels and energy crops through the Department's Research Stimulus Fund Programme. The aim of this research is to identify and select plant varieties and crop production systems that are most suited to bio-fuel production in the Irish context.

The Department has published Best Practice guidelines for growing willow and miscanthus under the Bioenergy Scheme. Among other items, the guide provides advice to growers on planting and harvesting operations to maximise crop yield and improve the economic viability of the crop. Together with Teagasc and Sustainable Energy Ireland, the Department co-funded a new educational DVD entitled 'Willow & Miscanthus — From Field To Furnace' to advise producers on the planting, crop management, harvesting and storage of these crops. Teagasc has also published a Farm Diversification Manual, which provides detailed technical advice to farmers on the cultivation of energy crops.

It is a requirement of the Bioenergy Scheme and the EU Energy Crops Scheme that applicants provide evidence of end use to ensure that the feedstock is destined for the bioenergy market. Such evidence may include a contract or letter of intent between the farmer and the end-user and refers to the delivery of oilseed rape for processing into liquid bio-fuel and willow/miscanthus for combustion in the heat and electricity market. My Department does not compile information on the amount rapeseed refined into bio-fuel.